How to Check TEAS Test Results
After taking the TEAS test, you want to know your results as quickly as possible. The good news is that you can usually see your scores within 48 hours. Understanding how to access your results and what they mean helps you plan your next steps toward nursing school.
Your TEAS test results include several different scores that show your performance in different ways. Learning how to read and interpret these scores is important for understanding where you stand and what nursing programs might accept you.
When Your Results Become Available
Most test takers can view their TEAS results within 48 hours of completing the exam. This quick turnaround helps you make decisions about your nursing school applications without long waits.
The 48 hour window applies to most testing situations. Whether you took the test at a campus, testing center, or through remote proctoring, you should have access to your scores within two days.
However, some situations might take a bit longer. If you tested on a weekend or holiday, processing might be delayed by a day or two. Technical issues during the test could also extend the time before scores are available.
If you took the test on campus at a nursing school, that school might receive your results even faster. Some schools can access scores within 24 hours. This helps their admissions process move quickly.
You will receive an email from ATI when your scores are ready. Check your email inbox and spam folder. The email includes instructions for logging in to view your detailed results.
Even if you do not receive the email notification, you can log in to your ATI account after 48 hours to check if your scores are posted.
How to Access Your TEAS Test Scores Online
Accessing your TEAS test results is a straightforward process through the ATI Testing website. You use the same account you created when you registered for the test.
Step by Step Instructions:
First, go to the official ATI Testing website. Look for the login section, usually located in the top right corner of the homepage.
Enter your username and password. These are the same credentials you used when you registered for the TEAS test. If you forgot your password, use the password reset option.
After logging in, navigate to your account dashboard. Look for a section labeled “My Results” or “Test Results.” The exact wording might vary slightly, but it will be clearly marked.
Click on the TEAS test results link. This opens your detailed score report. You can view all your scores on the screen.
Your score report shows multiple types of scores. Take time to look at each section carefully. Understanding what each score means helps you evaluate your performance.
You can also download a PDF copy of your score report. This is useful for your records and for sending to nursing programs if needed. Save the PDF to your computer or print a copy for your files.
If you have trouble accessing your account, contact ATI customer support. They can help you reset your password or troubleshoot any login issues.
Understanding Your Score Report
Your TEAS score report contains several different numbers. Each one tells you something different about your performance. Understanding all these scores helps you see the complete picture of your results.
Composite Score
The composite score is your overall score across all four sections of the test. This is usually the most important number because most nursing programs focus on the composite score.
The composite score is calculated as a percentage. It represents the percentage of questions you answered correctly out of all the scored questions on the test.
For example, a composite score of 75% means you answered 75% of all scored questions correctly. Remember that only 150 out of 170 questions count toward your score. The other 20 are pretest items that do not affect your results.
Most nursing programs have minimum composite score requirements. Common requirements range from 60% to 80%, depending on how competitive the program is.
Individual Section Scores
Your score report also shows separate scores for each of the four test sections: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage.
Each section score is also shown as a percentage. This tells you what percentage of questions you answered correctly in that specific section.
Section scores help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. You might discover that you did very well in Reading and English but struggled with Math and Science. This information is valuable if you need to retake the test.
Some nursing programs look at individual section scores in addition to the composite score. They might require minimum scores in specific sections, especially Science.
The TEAS 7 Science Study Guide helps you improve in the Science section if that is a weak area. Similarly, use the TEAS 7 Mathematics Study Guide for Math, the TEAS 7 Reading Study Guide for Reading, and the TEAS 7 English and Language Usage Study Guide for English.
National Percentile Rank
Your score report includes a national percentile rank. This number compares your performance to all other test takers across the country.
A percentile rank of 75 means you scored better than 75% of all test takers. It does not mean you got 75% of questions correct. Those are two different measurements.
The percentile rank helps you understand how your score compares to other nursing school applicants. If you scored in the 90th percentile, you did better than most test takers.
However, nursing programs primarily care about your actual percentage scores, not your percentile rank. They want to know if you met their minimum requirements.
Program Percentile Rank
Some score reports also show a program percentile rank. This compares your score to other students who applied to or enrolled in similar nursing programs.
The program percentile is usually different from the national percentile. It might be higher or lower depending on how competitive your target programs are.
This score gives you insight into how you compare specifically to students at the type of program you want to attend. If you are applying to highly competitive schools, you might need higher percentiles.
Topic Level Scores
Your detailed score report breaks down your performance even further. It shows how you did on specific topics within each section.
For example, in the Science section, you can see separate scores for Human Anatomy and Physiology, Life and Physical Science, and Scientific Reasoning. In Math, you see scores for Numbers and Algebra versus Measurement and Data.
These detailed breakdowns help you identify exactly where you struggled. If you need to retake the test, focus your studying on these specific weak topics.
Use TEAS Science Practice Test Questions to practice specific science topics. Try TEAS Math Practice Test Questions for targeted math practice.
What Your Scores Mean for Nursing School
Understanding your scores is one thing. Knowing whether they are good enough for nursing school admission is another.
Minimum Score Requirements
Every nursing program sets its own minimum TEAS score requirements. There is no universal standard. This means a score that is acceptable at one school might not be high enough for another.
Most nursing programs require composite scores between 60% and 75%. Programs that are less competitive might accept scores in the 60% to 65% range. Average programs often require 65% to 75%.
Highly competitive nursing programs typically want scores of 75% or higher. Top tier programs might require 80% or even 85% composite scores.
Check the specific requirements for every school you plan to apply to. Do not assume that one school’s requirements apply to all schools. Visit each program’s website or call their admissions office to confirm their current TEAS score requirements.
Competitive Scores
Even if you meet the minimum requirements, higher scores make you more competitive. Many nursing programs receive more qualified applicants than they have available seats.
When programs have to choose between applicants, they often favor those with higher test scores. A score of 80% is more competitive than a score of 70%, even if the minimum requirement is 65%.
If you scored just barely above the minimum, consider retaking the test to improve your score. A few percentage points can make a difference in competitive admissions.
Before retaking, check each program’s policy on multiple test attempts. Some schools consider only your highest score. Others average all your scores or look at your most recent attempt.
Score Validity Period
TEAS test scores are typically valid for two years from your test date. After two years, most nursing programs will not accept your scores. You would need to retake the test.
However, score validity varies by institution. Some programs accept scores older than two years. Others require scores from within the past year, especially for very competitive programs.
Always verify the score validity policy with your target schools. If your scores are approaching two years old, consider whether you need to retest before applying.
Sending Your Scores to Nursing Programs
Your TEAS scores do not automatically go to nursing schools. You control where your scores are sent. This gives you flexibility in managing your applications.
Choosing Recipients
Log in to your ATI account to send your scores. Look for the option to send or share your test results. The website calls this “sending your transcript.”
You will see a search function to find nursing programs. Search by school name, city, or state. ATI has a database of nursing programs across the country.
Select the programs where you want to send your scores. You can choose multiple schools at once. Add all your target programs to your list before submitting.
Double check that you selected the correct programs. Make sure the program name, location, and type match where you are actually applying. Some schools have multiple campuses or programs.
Transcript Fees
ATI usually includes a certain number of free score reports with your test registration. The first one or two transcripts might be free. Check your registration details to see what is included.
Additional transcripts typically cost between $20 and $30 each. You pay these fees through your ATI account when you request additional score reports.
If you are applying to several schools, transcript fees can add up. Budget for these costs when planning your nursing school applications.
Some schools allow you to upload unofficial score reports with your application. You can download your score report PDF and submit it directly. However, most programs eventually require an official transcript sent from ATI.
How Long It Takes
After you request score reports, ATI sends them electronically to nursing programs. Most schools receive scores within a few business days.
Electronic delivery is fast, but schools might take additional time to process received scores and add them to your application file. Allow at least one week for the complete process.
If you are close to an application deadline, send your scores well in advance. Do not wait until the last minute. Technical delays or processing time could cause you to miss deadlines.
Contact the admissions office after sending scores to confirm they received them. This ensures nothing was lost in the process and your application is complete.
What to Do If You Are Not Happy With Your Scores
If your scores do not meet your expectations or nursing program requirements, you have options. Many students retake the TEAS test to improve their results.
Deciding Whether to Retake
Compare your scores to the requirements of your target nursing programs. If you met or exceeded all requirements, retaking might not be necessary.
If you fell short of requirements, retaking is usually your best option. Even if you barely met minimums, retaking to earn higher scores could make you more competitive.
Look at your section scores carefully. If you did well in most sections but poorly in one or two, focused studying can produce significant improvement.
Retake Policies
Most testing centers allow you to retake the TEAS test multiple times. The standard policy permits three attempts per year with at least 30 days between attempts.
Check with ATI and your testing location for specific retake policies. Some locations might have different rules.
Also check with your target nursing programs. Some schools limit how many TEAS scores they will consider. Others have policies about how they handle multiple attempts.
Preparing for a Retake
Do not retake the test without additional preparation. Simply taking it again without studying more rarely produces better results.
Use your score report to guide your studying. Focus intensely on the sections and topics where you scored lowest.
The comprehensive TEAS Study Guide helps you review all content areas systematically.
Allow yourself at least four to six weeks of focused studying before retaking. This gives you time to truly learn the material instead of just cramming.
Keeping Your Score Report for Your Records
Always save copies of your TEAS score report. You will need them for various purposes throughout your nursing school application process.
Download the PDF version from your ATI account as soon as scores are available. Save it to your computer and back it up in cloud storage or on an external drive.
Print a physical copy as well. Keep it in a safe place with other important documents related to your nursing school applications.
You might need to reference your scores when filling out applications, writing personal statements, or preparing for admissions interviews. Having easy access to your score report makes this process smoother.
Some programs ask you to upload score reports with online applications. Having the PDF ready saves time and lets you submit applications quickly.
Even after nursing programs receive official transcripts from ATI, keep your own copies. You might need them years later for transfer applications, graduate school, or other purposes.
Common Questions About TEAS Test Results
Can I view my scores immediately after the test?
No, you cannot see your final scores immediately after finishing the test. The test ends when you complete the last question, but scores take up to 48 hours to process and become available.
You might see a preliminary score estimate on the screen at some testing centers, but this is not your official score. Wait for the official results in your ATI account.
What if my scores do not appear after 48 hours?
If more than 48 hours have passed and you do not see your scores, first check that you are looking in the right place in your ATI account. Navigate to the results or transcripts section.
If you still do not see scores, contact ATI customer support. There might be a processing delay or technical issue. Support can check on your specific test and let you know when scores will be available.
Can I request a score review if I think there was an error?
If you believe there was an error in scoring your test, you can request a score review. Contact ATI customer support to start this process.
Score reviews are rare and usually do not change results. The computer scoring system is very accurate. However, if you had technical problems during the test that were documented, a review might be warranted.
Do all nursing programs accept TEAS scores?
Most nursing programs in the United States require the TEAS test. However, some programs use different entrance exams like the HESI or TEAS.
Always check with your specific target programs. Their websites and admissions materials will clearly state which test they require.
Can I take the test again to improve just one section score?
No, you must retake the entire TEAS test. You cannot retake only specific sections. When you retake the test, you complete all four sections again and receive completely new scores.
This is why focused studying is so important before a retake. Improve your weak sections while maintaining your strong sections.
Moving Forward With Your Results
Once you have your TEAS test results and understand what they mean, you can move forward with your nursing school applications confidently.
If your scores meet your target programs’ requirements, start completing applications. Send your official score reports to all schools on your list. Meet all application deadlines and submit complete application packages.
If your scores are close but not quite high enough, consider retaking the test while also continuing with applications. Some programs allow you to submit applications before final test scores are available. You can send updated scores later.
If your scores are significantly below requirements, focus on preparation and retaking before submitting applications. Use the study resources and practice tests mentioned throughout this guide.